XYZ County School System
Heat Advisory Precautions for Schools
I. GUIDELINES FOR DAILY ACTIVITIES
A heat index reading should be obtained immediately prior to participation of
outside activities. This may be done by accessing www.weather.com
Principals should designate someone in your building (PE Teacher, secretary,
media specialist, etc.) to access this daily as it gives accurate heat index
predictions for the day as early as 7:30 each morning. In times of extreme heat,
reminders will be sent from the central office.
A. Heat index of 95+ degrees - No outside activities
B. Heat index of 90-94 degrees – Limited outside activities
1. Maintain clear focus on supervising students and looking for signs of
over-heating
2. Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes.
3. Mandatory breaks from activities after the water break for 5 to10 minutes
in duration.
4. Monitor heat index every 30 minutes
C. Heat index of 89 degrees or below – standard protocol
REMEMBER: IN TIMES OF EXTREME HEAT, STUDENTS WITH
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE HYDRATED OFTEN
THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
II. RATIONALE
Our heat advisory precautions are designed to protect students from incurring
heat related illnesses or problems. This is a guide for personnel to use and refer
to when making decisions or modifying and/or suspending outdoor activities.
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The best defense against heat-related conditions is prevention.
Staff shall be reminded yearly and in times of extreme regarding
precautions to take to ensure student safety.
Staff focus should be on “constant surveillance” of students
during extreme heat to ensure student health. Should symptoms
arise, they should be addressed immediately.
The following guidelines are to be used as appropriate to ensure student
safety during high heat. Implementation may vary depending on the
activity.
III. SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR STAFF
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Reduce the intensity and duration of physical activity initially and gradually
increase exposure to allow students to grow accustomed to heat levels.
Fully hydrate students prior to strenuous physical activity. Avoid caffeine
and high sugar, carbonated drinks.
Constantly provide cold water and schedule frequent rest periods where
students are encouraged to drink 2-3 glasses of water.
Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or late in the day.
Be aware of student’s chronic health issues and medications of students.
Heighten surveillance of students with special needs.
Be aware of students with certain conditions that are at a greater risk to
heat stress. Included in these (but not limited to) are: cystic fibrosis,
vomiting, diarrhea, fever, obesity, diabetes, chronic heart disease, caloric
malnutrition, anorexia nervosa, sweating insufficiency syndrome.
Replacement of lost fluids and periodic rest is essential to the health of
the participant during hot and humid conditions.
Check to see if student’s medication has specific precautions regarding
heat, sunlight, etc.
Use a “buddy system” where students are educated regarding symptoms
and monitor each other.
Implement extra precautions when playing on concrete or asphalt.
Provide water on long, non-air-conditioned bus trips or encourage
students to bring their own.
Decrease the intensity of activities that last 30 minutes or more whenever
relative humidity and air temperature (Heat Index) are above critical
levels (HI of 90 or above). The higher the humidity, the more dangerous
high air temperature is because of decreased evaporation of body sweat.
Note that full sun exposure can increase the Heat Index by as
much as 15 degrees F.
Contact your school nurse if you have questions.
Check the Heat Index at weather.com or weatherforyou.com or an
approved measuring device.
IV. SIGNS AND TREATMENT FOR HEAT INJURY
A.
Heat Cramps
1. Painful spasms usually in the muscles of the legs and
abdomen.
2. Heavy sweating.
B.
Heat Cramps – First Aid
1. Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to
relieve spasm.
2. Give sips of water unless nauseated.
3. Move to air-conditioned or fanned area.
C.
Heat Exhaustion
1. Heavy sweating, moist and clammy skin
2. Weakness/dizziness/exhaustion
3. Fainting and vomiting
4. May have a fever greater than 102 degrees
5. Pupils dilated
6. Headache
7. Rapid, shallow breathing
8. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
D.
Heat Exhaustion – First Aid
1. Body temp of 103-105 degrees
2. Get victim out of the sun and into an air-conditioned area
3. Lay victim down and loosen clothing
4. Apply cool wet cloths
5. Encourage sips of water unless nauseated
6. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention
7. Call the parent or guardian if the child does not seem
“back to normal” within a few minutes.
E.
Heat Stroke – THIS IS A LIFE-THREATENING
1. High body temperature (106° F or higher)
2. Hot dry skin
3. Rapid, strong pulse
4. Face red/flushed
5. Confusion or agitation
6. Possibly unconscious
F.
Heat Stoke – First Aid – CALL 911
Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Move the victim to a cooler environment
Reduce body temperature with cool bath/sponging
Remove clothing, use fans/air conditioner
Offer cool water if conscious
V. SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDENTS
Take the time to educate students on the dangers of heat related
illness. This may help prevent accidents at home as well!
A. Inform instructor if recently ill.
B. Inform your teacher/instructor of any medications recently taken.
C. Wear lightweight, loose, cool, reflective clothing.
D. Wear hats or sun visors when participating in direct sun.
E. Wear sun glasses or protective eyewear.
F. Avoid caffeine and high-sugar, carbonated drinks.
G. Bring water to drink throughout extended activities such as field day.
H. Avoid eating heavy, protein-rich foods prior to exercise.
V. HEAT INDEX CHART
Heat Index Chart (Temperature & Relative Humidity)
RH Temperature (° F)
(%) 90 91 92 93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100 101 102 103 104 105
90
119 123 128 132 137 141 146 152 157 163 168 174 180 186 193 199
85
115 119 123 127 132 136 141 145 150 155 161 166 172 178 184 190
80
112 115 119 123 127 131 135 140 144 149 154 159 164 169 175 180
75
109 112 115 119 122 126 130 134 138 143 147 152 156 161 166 171
70
106 109 112 115 118 122 125 129 133 137 141 145 149 154 158 163
65
103 106 108 111 114 117 121 124 127 131 135 139 143 147 151 155
60
100 103 105 108 111 114 116 120 123 126 129 133 136 140 144 148
55
98
100 103 105 107 110 113 115 118 121 124 127 131 134 137 141
50
96
98
100 102 104 107 109 112 114 117 119 122 125 128 131 135
45
94
96
98
100 102 104 106 108 110 113 115 118 120 123 126 129
40
92
94
96
97
99
101 103 105 107 109 111 113 116 118 121 123
35
91
92
94
95
97
98
100 102 104 106 107 109 112 114 116 118
30
89
90
92
93
95
96
98
99
101 102 104 106 108 110 112 114
Note: Exposure to full sunshine can increase HI values by up to 15° F
Using the following scale, activity should be altered and / or eliminated based on this
Heat Index as determined.
XYZ County School System
Heat Advisory Precautions
TRANSPORTATION TIPS FOR PRINCIPALS
Please remember the health risks for everyone for every minute the buses sit idle on your campus
with a driver or kids on the bus without moving. Route times are adjusted daily to reduce the
amount of time students ride buses. Other precautions include the following:
1. Elementary schools and high schools- Have kids ready to go. When the dismissal bell rings
encourage staff to get them safely loaded and rolling as quickly as can safely be done.
2. Middle – Some of your drivers may have been on the road for almost 2 hours when they arrive
at your campuses and sit with many kids already on the bus awaiting your students to dismiss.
Please take measures to release your students as quickly as possible to board and get moving as
quickly as possible. Please release by grades through different doors, use both green lines/both
sides of the hall for end-of-day exit, or other means to speed up dismissal. These may be
employed as temporary heat induced emergency conditions until this record setting heat wave
abates.
3. As a precaution, allow students who may pose more immediate health risks due to excessive
heat (younger students, special needs kids, etc...) to make more frequent trips to the water
fountain before loading buses.
4. Bottled water for bus drivers at middle schools - We began “Operation Hydrate” for all bus
drivers on Friday. Lead drivers will be providing every driver with cold bottled water as they
enter their last route at the middle school each afternoon. Again, some will have been on the hot
bus for 2 hours at that point and we do not want them becoming dizzy while driving. Water has
also been provided for mechanics.
5. All maintenance staff carry coolers with water in them during the day and have been reminded
to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks while in the heat.
6. Late Buses - late buses mean staff and students stand in the heat awaiting the arrival of late
buses. Please make sure transportation is aware of late buses so we can make adjustments
accordingly.
7. Greet Drivers - It never hurts to have a staff member greet the drivers as they are on your
campus. This does 2 things. It is good PR and lets them know we appreciate them. Most
importantly, it gives you the chance to eyeball your drivers and possibly identify one who is
struggling with the heat. Never hesitate to contact Mr. Lindstrom if you think a driver may be
having adverse reactions to the heat.
8. Patience - The heat wave couldn't have hit at a worse time as we start school and add kids and
stops daily. Your patience is appreciated as we work in the heat and begin school at the same
time.
XYZ County School System
Heat Advisory Precautions
For Athletics and Outdoor Activities
ATHLETICS AND OUTSIDE PRACTICE / EVENTS
The following guidelines are system policy for avoiding heat injury. The Georgia High
School Association mandated that each school system create a policy regarding
procedures for avoiding heat injury. School trainers and athletic directors use a Thermo
Hygrometer (Digital Sling Psychrometer) to assess the daily heat index and are in daily
contact with each other during heat advisories. GHSA mandates that this be done daily
beginning August 1 of each year. Activity should be altered and /or eliminated based on
this heat index as determined.
REMEMBER: IN TIMES OF EXTREME HEAT, STUDENTS WITH OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE HYDRATED OFTEN THROUGHOUT THE DAY. IF
NECESSARY AND APPROVED, ALLOW STUDENTS WITH AFTER-SCHOOL
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO CARRY WATER BOTTLES DURING THE DAY
DURING TIMES OF INTENSE HEAT TO HYDRATE PRIOR TO PRACTICE.
I. Under 95 degrees Heat Index (All sports) PRACTICE CODE GREEN
Provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be available and
athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
1. Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 5 to10 minutes in duration
2. Ice-down towels for cooling
3. Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action
4. Monitor heat index every 30 minutes
II. 95 degrees to 99 degrees Heat Index (All sports) PRACTICE CODE YELLOW
Provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be available and
athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
1. Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 7 to 10 minutes in duration
2. Ice-down towels for cooling
3. Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
Contact sports and activities with additional equipment like helmets, shoulder pads, or
other protective equipment should be removed if not involved in contact or necessary for
safety.
1. Reduce time of outside activity.
2. Consider postponing practice to later in the day.
3. Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for
increased Heat Index.
III. 100 degrees to 104 degrees Heat Index (All sports) PRACTICE CODE
ORANGE
Provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be available and
athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
1. Mandatory water breaks every 25 minutes for 10 minutes in duration
2. Ice-down towels for cooling
3. Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
4. Alter uniform by removing items if possible
5. Allow for changes to dry t-shirts and shorts.
Contact sports and activities with additional equipment (like helmets, shoulder pads, or
other protective equipment) should be removed if not involved in contact or necessary for
safety. If necessary for safety, suspend activity.
1. Reduce time of outside activity as well as indoor activity if air
conditioning is unavailable.
2. Postpone practice to later in day.
3. Re-check temperature and humidity every 20 minutes to monitor for
increased Heat Index.
IV. 105 degrees to 109 degrees Heat Index (All sports) PRACTICE CODE RED
Provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be available and
athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
1. Mandatory water breaks every 20 minutes for 10 minutes in duration
2. Ice-down towels for cooling
3. Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
4. Alter uniform by removing items if possible
5. Allow for changes to dry t-shirts and shorts.
Contact sports and activities with additional equipment (like helmets, shoulder pads, or
other protective equipment) should be removed if not involved in contact or necessary for
safety. If necessary for safety, suspend activity.
1. Reduce time of outside activity as well as indoor activity if air
conditioning is unavailable.
2. Postpone practice to later in day.
3. Re-check temperature and humidity every 20 minutes to monitor for
increased Heat Index.
V. Above 110 degrees Heat Index (All Sports) PRACTICE CODE BLACK
Stop all outside activity in practice and/or play, and stop all inside activity if air
conditioning is unavailable.
This recommended procedure should be used until such time as the temperature is below
80 degrees as no combination of heat and humidity at that level will result in a need to
curtail activity. Schools are reminded that the monitoring shall continue until such a time
that no combination of heat and humidity at that level will result in a need to curtail
activity.